Ibrahim Rugova

Updated Jan. 23, 2006 12:01 a.m. ET

He was better known for his silk scarves and academic demeanor than anything he said or did. In dying Saturday, at 61, of lung cancer, Ibrahim Rugova can continue to play the role that suited him best: symbolic father of the Kosovo Albanians.

His legacy of moderation and opposition to political violence is particularly important now. Although the U.N.-run talks between Serbian and Kosovar leaders scheduled for Wednesday were put off...